A Press Democrat Blog

Dan Taylor on the fine arts scene.

Hip-hop star Snoop Dog will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington St., Petaluma. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, for $70 each at Ticketfly.com and the Last Record Store in Santa Rosa. “It’s a very exciting show for the Phoenix,” said Jim Agius, co-promoter of the Petaluma concert. “It’s kind of unbelievable that Snoop headlined the Coachella Music Festival earlier this year, and now he’ll be doing a run… Read More »

The story of Dominic Agius is a tragic one. A talented young local musician, Dominic died of a heroin overdose Feb. 14, 2011, in Costa Mesa. He had gone to Southern California in hopes of getting clean and sober at a center called Sober Living by the Sea. He was 22. Dominic’s brother, Jim Aguis, who has been booking bands at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma for the past five years, wants Dominic’s friends to remember not just the tragedy,… Read More »

Adam Giacomini, better-known as DJ Amen, will come home to Petaluma for a live performance Nov. 19 at the Phoenix Theater. He’ll host a line-up that features Bobby Brackins, Starting Six, The Rejectz, YG, Iamsu, Audiopush, Loverance, Kool Jon and Symba. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Information: 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com. Born in Petaluma, Giacomini grew up in Sonoma and Marin counties. His family owns and operates Toby’s Feed Barn in Pt. Reyes Station and Toby’s Trucking in… Read More »

How often does one annual festival stage a fund-raiser for another festival in a different town? That is what will happen Thursday, July 28, when the kickoff party for Petaluma’s Rivertown Revival doubles as a benefit for the the Handcar Regatta, to be held Sept. 25 in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square. The Rivertown Revival Kick-Off Party runs from 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday at the Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington St., Petaluma. The musical lineup for the evening includes the Jug… Read More »

Local indie rock band The Velvet Teen will perform at a benefit concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington St., Petaluma. The line-up also includes Siren, Cropduster, Aim Low Kid/Stoner Dad, the 50/50′s, Jeff Bretz MC and Between Band Antics. Proceeds from the event will help cover the costs of breast cancer treatment for Nicole McCracken, wife of Siren drummer Kevin McCracken. The event also features raffle prizes, a silent auction and a kids’… Read More »

Forced by the Petaluma fire marshal last week drastically limit attendance and postpone a show, the Phoenix Theater will continue this weekend with previously scheduled concerts and events. Audiences this weekend still will be limited to 150 people, said Phoenix concert promoter Jim Agius, after meeting with city fire department officials. Police and fire inspectors said last week that the theater allowed in too many people at the Sept. 8 Smashing Pumpkins concert, nearly 200 more than the 720 permitted… Read More »

Love rock music? Adore musical theater? Here’s your chance to enjoy one while supporting the other. ‘Rockin’ the Mountain’ stars Lara Johnston, daughter of Doobie Brothers star Tom Johnston, and other emerging young musicians at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington St., Petaluma. The roster also includes Griffin Stoller & Kenny Blacklock, Third Rock and Crunchy Frog. The concert’s a benefit for Mountain Play production of ‘Guys and Dolls,’ opening May 23 on Mount Tam,… Read More »

The punk rock band AFI (A Fire Inside), which got started in Ukiah in the early ’90s, tours the world now, but still plans to take time for a return engagement Jan. 15 at Petaluma’s Phoenix Theater, where the group played some of its early shows. The show sold out immediately, but fans are still scouring the ‘Net for tickets. Meanwhile, AFI drummer Adam Carson took a moment for a quick phone chat. Here are some of his thoughts on… Read More »

About This Blog

What is art? Whether it’s oil on canvas or actors on stage, dancers on their toes or comedians doing stand-up, Press Democrat staff writer Dan Taylor covers the fine and lively arts in Northern California. Meet the people, go behind the scenes and get ahead on what’s coming up.